Category: United States Attorneys General

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Kentucky man pleads guilty to sex trafficking of a minor

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kentucky man pleaded guilty today to a sex trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. David Wayne Young, 47, of Ashland, faces at least 15 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 1, 2018. He also faces at least five years and up to life on federal supervised release once he is released from prison, and he will be required to register as a sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Ashland Police Department, and the Boyd County Sheriff’s Department.

“Let me be clear – we have zero tolerance for sex trafficking of children. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and use every tool at our disposal to come after those who put our children in danger,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “I want to thank all the officers who work tirelessly day in and day out to protect the children of our community and to keep sexual predators off the street.”

Young admitted that in March 2017, he communicated with his codefendant, Misty Dawn Baisden, and asked Baisden to provide him with a minor under the age of 14 for the purpose of engaging in commercial sexual activity. Young additionally admitted that the communication involved discussion of exchanging money, items, or other things of value for sexually explicit photographs of the minor. He further admitted that subsequent communications with Baisden included discussions that involved Young offering to provide Baisden with a minor for sexual activity in exchange for her providing him with a minor for sexual activity.

Baisden previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor, and faces up to life in prison when she is sentenced on February 13, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: KC Man Sentenced for $1.2 Million Oxycodone Conspiracy

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Timothy A. Garrison, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a $1.2 million conspiracy to distribute oxycodone that was obtained by using forged and fraudulent prescriptions.

Gary D. Dickinson, also known as “James DeJong,” 50, of Kansas City, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole.

On May 16, 2017, Dickinson pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy that lasted from June 2013 to January 2016 to distribute oxycodone. Conspirators obtained prescription-quality paper commonly used by authorized health care providers to write prescriptions. They also obtained the DEA registration numbers of health care providers, which they used to prepare fraudulent prescriptions for oxycodone.

Conspirators took the false prescriptions to pharmacies in Kansas City metropolitan area and elsewhere. They commonly sold the oxycodone 30mg pills for between $15 to $25 per pill.

Following several undercover purchases of fraudulent prescriptions from Dickinson, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Dickinson’s residence on Dec. 23, 2013. Detectives recovered several prescription pill bottles and drug paraphernalia (including pipes, syringes and scales). They also recovered two laptop computers, false prescriptions, blank prescription paper, contact lists and other documentation, including what appeared to be a written instructions on what to say if a pharmacist called to confirm the validity of a prescription.

Dickinson said he obtained false prescriptions from co-defendant Robert G. Joy, also known as “Bear,” 34, of Kansas City, Mo. Dickinson said he filled prescriptions for Joy, then gave him the Oxycodone in exchange for $175 to $225. On Dec. 26, 2013, Dickinson was arrested while attempting to fill a false prescription at The Drug Store in Odessa, Mo. Dickinson admitted that he passed, and attempted to pass, fraudulent prescriptions at several more locations in the months following his arrest. Dickinson was arrested on several occasions, including while attempting to pass more fraudulent prescriptions and after a car stop while he was driving a stolen truck and in possession of 65 Oxycodone pills, 6.5 grams of cocaine and .85 grams of methamphetamine.

On May 19, 2014, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Dickinson’s room at the Argosy Hotel. Officers found numerous items associated with the manufacture of false prescriptions, including a laptop computer with stored templates for prescriptions and checks, over 200 sheets of blank prescription quality paper, false prescriptions and other items.

Dickinson is among 11 defendants convicted in this case. Joy pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Eight co-defendants have also been sentenced, and one co-defendant awaits sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jess E. Michaelsen. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the police departments of Riverside, Blue Springs, Independence, Kearney, Odessa, Nevada, Higginsville, Drexel Lee’s Summit and Butler.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Worcester Man Charged with Marriage Fraud

BOSTON – A Worcester man was arrested yesterday in connection with entering into six fraudulent marriages in order to evade immigration laws. 

 

Peter Hicks, 57, was charged in federal court with one count of marriage fraud. Hicks was released following an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester yesterday. 

 

According to the criminal complaint unsealed yesterday, in 2014 federal law enforcement agents uncovered evidence that Hicks married six foreign national women from Sub-Saharan Africa between 2003 and 2013. Hicks allegedly filed for immigration benefits for four of his six wives. 

 

During a routine interview as part of his application for benefits for a non-citizen spouse, Hicks admitted to marrying three of the women solely to obtain immigration benefits for them. During a second interview with immigration officials, Hicks admitted that he was paid to recruit people for fraudulent marriages. During an interview with federal agents on Jan. 8, 2015, Hicks admitted that he was involved in marriage fraud for approximately 13 years, and that he received payments to marry undocumented African women and to find willing United States citizens to marry illegal aliens for the purpose of allowing the women to establish legal status in the United States. 

 

It is further alleged that on at least one occasion, Hicks was still married to one spouse at the time of his marriage to another spouse. Hicks also fraudulently claimed on an immigration form submitted on behalf of one of his spouses, that he had only one former spouse and that he had only petitioned for immigration benefits for the one former spouse, when, in fact, Hicks had actually been married five times and submitted requests for immigration benefits for a number of his former spouses. 

 

The charge of marriage fraud provides for sentence of no greater than five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

 

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; and Denis C. Riordan, District Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, District 1, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

 

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Federal Drug Charges Filed Against Southeast Kansas Man Who Was Arrested After Boat Chase

WICHITA, KAN. – A southeast Kansas man was indicted Tuesday on federal drug and firearm charges, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

 

Scott Joseph Skibo, 54, Chetopa, Kan., was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The indictment alleges that on Sept. 18, 2017, Skibo possessed fifty or more marijuana plants and a .40 caliber Glock 22 handgun.

 

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation announced in September that agents arrested Skibo for cultivating marijuana on an island in Elmore Park within the city limits of Chetopa, Kan. He attempted to flee law enforcement in a boat before he was arrested.

 

If convicted, Skibo faces not less than five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge, and up to five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the marijuana charge. The KBI, the Labette County Sheriff’s Department and the Chetopa Police Department investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh is prosecuting.

 

 

OTHER INDICTMENTS

 

Danny Acosta-Zavala, 32, and Cecilia Ann Rios, 36, are charged with one count of possession of more than 12 pounds of heroin. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 1, 2018, in Thomas County, Kan.

 

If convicted, they face not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Rodebaugh is prosecuting.

 

Manuel Hernandez, 43, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of escaping from custody at the Mirror, Inc., in Wichita.

 

If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Metzger is prosecuting.

 

 Rodolfo Moreno-Banuelos, 29, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien illegally in the United States. He was found Jan. 13, 2018, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Lind is prosecuting.

 

Jesus Benito Vergara-Gonzalez, 24, of Kansas City, Mo., is charged with one count of misusing a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. The crimes are alleged to have occurred March 21, 2017, in Kansas City, Kan.

 

If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the Social Security charge and a mandatory two years (consecutive) and a fine up to $250,000 on the identity theft charge. The Kansas Department of Revenue investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.

 

William Daniel Wycoff, 32, Wichita, Kan., is charged with one count of unlawful possession of ammunition following a felony conviction. The crime is alleged to have occurred Jan. 13, 2018, in Sedgwick County, Kan.

 

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith is prosecuting.

 

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Chicago Man Sentenced to Four and a Half Years in Federal Prison For Illegally Buying Guns in Indiana and Bringing Them to Chicago

CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been sentenced to four and a half years in federal prison for illegally buying 17 handguns in Indiana and bringing them across the border to Chicago.

RICKY HATCH, also known as “Rick Hatchet” and “Ricky Hatchet,” purchased the firearms from an unlicensed individual in a parking lot in Bloomington, Ind., on three occasions in February 2015.  In the first sale, Hatch recruited a resident of Indianapolis, Ind., to serve as the ostensible buyer.  The seller reviewed the Indiana resident’s driver’s license and listed some of her information on a purported “firearms bill of sale” before selling the guns to Hatch in exchange for cash.  Although the Indiana resident did not accompany Hatch to the next two transactions, Hatch used aliases in those deals to conceal his identity.

After each purchase, Hatch brought the guns to Chicago.  The Chicago Police Department has subsequently recovered five of the guns from individuals other than Hatch.

Hatch, 25, pleaded guilty last year to unlawful interstate transportation of firearms.  On Jan. 18, 2018, U.S. District Judge Ronald A. Guzman imposed a 55-month prison sentence.

The sentence was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Celinez Nunez, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Eddie Johnson, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.

“The impact of firearms brought from Indiana and sold to individuals in Illinois is well documented,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian S. Wallach argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum.  “Defendant’s actions, and those like him who bring gun after gun into this city, are fueling the violence that we read about on a daily basis.”

The government was represented by Mr. Wallach and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie M. Durick.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Illegally Reentering US

MADISON, WIS. — Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jose Aguila-Flores, 40, a citizen of Mexico found in Madison, Wis., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to one year and one day in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States.  Aguila-Flores, who had been deported previously, pleaded guilty to this charge on November 21, 2017.

Aguila-Flores had been convicted of manufacturing/delivering cannabis in Illinois in 2007.  In 2009, Aguila-Flores was issued an Administrative Order of Removal.   
  
The charge against Aguila-Flores was the result of an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper.
 

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Convictions of Human Trafficking in North Mississippi

OXFORD, Miss. – United States Attorney William C. Lamar and Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge at the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced today that Ricky Robertson a.k.a. “Slick Rick” and Ladarius Jackson, a.k.a. “Dee Don” were sentenced on sex trafficking charges before Chief District Judge Sharion Aycock in Federal Court in Oxford, Mississippi.  Robertson previously entered a guilty plea on Count One of the Indictment – Sex Trafficking Conspiracy – in violation of Title 18 United States Code Section 1594(c) and was sentenced to serve 188 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Jackson previously entered a guilty plea to Count Three of the Indictment – Travelling in Interstate Commerce to Engage in Prostitution – in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 2421 and was sentenced to serve 33 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Both Robertson and Jackson admitted to transporting prostitutes from Memphis, Tennessee to Oxford, Mississippi in order to engage in commercial sex acts.  Robertson admitted to trafficking the prostitutes through fraud and coercion by controlling the money they earned from commercial sex.

“Human trafficking is not a victimless crime,” remarked United States Attorney William C. Lamar.  “Women, many of whom are very young, are often coerced into prostitution by predators, taken advantage of, and are frequently victims of violence.  Along with federal, state and local law enforcement, we will continue to address this problem in our District and prosecute those responsible.”

Human trafficking steals the innocence from our children and young women, and the individuals who prey upon the vulnerable need to be removed from our society,” said Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Mississippi.  “Human trafficking victims often feel pressured with the threat of violence toward them or their families, giving them the false reality that prostitution is their only means of making a living.  We ask the public to be vigilant to the signs of human trafficking and notify law enforcement when they see what they believe is the unconscionable act of buying and selling human beings.”

This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Clay Dabbs of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi, and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Oxford Police Department and the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Man Sentenced After Intimidating Spirit Airlines Flight Attendants

Michael Anthony Minko, 36, of White Springs, Florida, was sentenced to two concurrent sentences of two months imprisonment, after pleading guilty to two counts of intimidating a flight attendant of an aircraft in flight in the United States.

Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

On July 18, 2017, Minko intimidated two Spirit Airlines flight attendants on a flight from Newark, New Jersey to Fort Lauderdale, and interfered with the performance of their duties.  Specifically, after the flight departed, the defendant drank an excessive amount of whiskey from a bottle in his possession and consumed prescription alprazolam (generic form of Xanax).  During the course of the flight, Minko cursed, used abusive language, made verbal threats and exhibited threatening actions.  As a result, a flight attendant and three passengers used plastic flex cuffs to secure Minko’s hands behind his back.

U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom ordered Minko to report on Friday, February 23, 2018, to commence his term of imprisonment at that time, thereby allowing the defendant to continue his treatment at an alcohol and drug treatment facility. 

Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI in connection with this matter.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William T. Shockley.

Michael Anthony Minko, 36, of White Springs, Florida, was sentenced to two concurrent sentences of two months imprisonment, after pleading guilty to two counts of intimidating a flight attendant of an aircraft in flight in the United States.

Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

On July 18, 2017, Minko intimidated two Spirit Airlines flight attendants on a flight from Newark, New Jersey to Fort Lauderdale, and interfered with the performance of their duties.  Specifically, after the flight departed, the defendant drank an excessive amount of whiskey from a bottle in his possession and consumed prescription alprazolam (generic form of Xanax).  During the course of the flight, Minko cursed, used abusive language, made verbal threats and exhibited threatening actions.  As a result, a flight attendant and three passengers used plastic flex cuffs to secure Minko’s hands behind his back.

U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom ordered Minko to report on Friday, February 23, 2018, to commence his term of imprisonment at that time, thereby allowing the defendant to continue his treatment at an alcohol and drug treatment facility. 

Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI in connection with this matter.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William T. Shockley.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov. 

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: City of Miami Police Officer Charged in Ponzi Scheme

City of Miami police officer Dermis Hernandez, 41, of Homestead, was arrested by the FBI for participation in a scheme where Hernandez falsely represented to victim investors that he was able to offer a low risk investment with guaranteed returns through high-interest loans his company made to Costa Rican property owners.   

 

Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Robert F. Lasky, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Jorge Colina, Chief, City of Miami Police Department (MPD), made the announcement. 

 

On January 29, 2018, Hernandez was arrested at the Fort Lauderdale airport before boarding a flight to Costa Rica.  Hernandez was charged by complaint with a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349.  It is alleged that, Hernandez told investors that their investment funds provided loans for the property owners in Costa Rica whose real property would be used as collateral for the loan and forfeited if the loan was not paid.  In truth, Hernandez and his co-conspirators used the majority of investor funds for personal enrichment and to pay the returns of other investors. 

 

Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and the MPD.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Langley. 

 

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

 

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Source: United States Attorneys General

Headline: Two Arrested In Major Antiquities Theft

Richard Steven Johnson, 41, of Rio Linda, California, and Jarred Alexander Goldman, 32, of Palm Beach Gardens, were arrested today, after being charged with conspiring to steal and stealing a 17th century gold bar on or about August 18, 2010, from the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum in Key West. 

 

Benjamin G. Greenberg, United States Attorney, Southern District of Florida, Robert F. Lasky, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, and Donald J. Lee, Jr., Chief, Key West Police Department, made the announcement.

 

Johnson will make his initial appearance in Sacramento, California, later today.  Goldman will make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lurana S. Snow, in Key West, on January 30, 2018, at 9:30 a.m.

 

The defendants are accused of driving to Key West from West Palm Beach on or about August 18, 2010, and entering the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum.  It is alleged that Goldman then stood guard as a lookout to enable Johnson to steal the gold bar.  Johnson then allegedly removed the gold bar from its display case at the museum and both defendants then drove back to West Palm Beach.  The gold bar has not been recovered.

 

Mr. Greenberg commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and the Key West Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Marcet.

 

An indictment is only an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.